ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Measures taken to curb food inflation and alleviate problems of common man due to COVID-19
The Government is taking effective measures to curb inflation especially food inflation keeping in view of the condition of the people suffering from coronavirus pandemic situation in the country. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Shri Pankaj Chaudhary in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Enumerating more steps taken by the Government to alleviate the problems of the common man, the Minister stated that the buffer stock of pulses have been used to tackle price volatility of these commodities. Pulses from the buffer were used very effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic for supplying @ 1 kg per household per month free of cost to approx. 19 crore National Food Security Act  beneficiary households between April and November 2020.
The Minister further stated that the Government imposed stock limits on some pulses under the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 in July 2021, which has had a salutary effect in terms of softening of prices.
The Minister stated that the Government eased import restrictions to enhance domestic availability of Tur, Urad and Moong and have also entered into MoUs with Myanmar, Malawi, Mozambique for pulses import. Basic import duty and Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess on Masur have been brought down to zero and 10% respectively.
The Minister stated that steps were taken to soften the prices of edible oils and the duty on Crude Palm Oil  has been cut, bringing down the effective tax rate on CPO to 30.25% from the earlier 35.75%. Further, the duty on Refined palm oil / Palmolein has been reduced to 37.5% from 45%, the Minister added.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
Cabinetapproves Memorandum of Understanding between India and United Kingdom on cooperation in the field of Medical Products Regulation
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has given its approval for signing a Memorandum of Understanding  between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization , India and the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency  on cooperation in the field of medical Product Regulation.
The MoU willhelp in establishing a framework for fruitful cooperation and exchange of information between the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization  and the United Kingdom Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency  of United Kingdom in matters relating to Medical products regulation in line with their international responsibilities. The main areas of cooperation between the two Regulatory Authorities include the following:
a) Exchange of safety information, including Pharmacovigilance where there is a particular safety concern related to the other party. This includes safety concerns relating to medicines and medical devices.
b) Participation in scientific and practical conferences, symposia, seminars and fora organized by India and the United Kingdom.
c) Exchange of information and cooperation on Good Laboratory Practices , Good Clinical Practices , Good Manufacturing Practices , Good Distribution Practices  and Good Pharmacovigilance Practices .
d) Capacity building in mutually agreed areas.
e) Promote an understanding between the Parties of each other's regulatory framework, requirements and processes; and to facilitate future regulatory strengthening initiatives for both Parties.
f) Exchange of information on laws and regulations regarding medicines and medical devices.
g) Information exchange to support efforts to control unlicensed exports and imports.
h) Coordination at the international fora.
It would facilitate better understanding of the regulatory aspects between the two sides and could help in increased cooperation in the field of medical products regulation and better coordination in international fora.
Ministry of New and Renewable Energy
Establishent of Bio-Gas Plants
The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy has been supporting installation of biogas plants in the country through the following schemes:
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- Small size biogas plants  under New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme
- Medium size biogas plants  under the Biogas based Power Generation  and Thermal Energy Applications Programme ; and
- Large size biogas plants  biogas plants under Programme on Energy from Urban, Industrial, Agricultural Wastes/ Residues and Municipal Solid Waste .
These schemes were valid till 31.03.2021. Beyond 31.03.2021, the Bio-energy Programme of MNRE has been continued for the period of FY 2021-22 to FY 2025-26 only to meet the already created liabilities and no new projects are to be sanctioned.
The Central Financial Assistance  which was being provided under the above schemes when they were being implemented was as follows:-
- Rs. 7500/- to Rs. 35,000/- per plant based on size of the plant in cubic meter under
NNBOMP;
- Rs. 25,000 /- to Rs. 40,000 /- per kilowatt for power generation and Rs. 12,500 /- to Rs.
20,000/- per kilowatt equivalent for thermal applications under BPGTP; and
- Rs 1.0 crore per 12000 m3 per day for biogas generation and Rs 4.0 Crore per 4800 Kg/day for Bio-CNG generation under Waste to Energy Scheme.
Under the Sustainable Alternative Towards Affordable Transportation , Government of India is promoting the production of Compressed Bio Gas  as an alternative green transport fuel wherein Oil and Gas Marketing Companies  are procuring the produced CBG.
This information was given by Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy Shri R.K Singh in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
ADB, India sign $300 million loan to improve connectivity in Assam
The Asian Development Bank  and the Government of India today signed a $300 million loan to upgrade over 300 kilometres of state highways and major district roads  in Assam.
The signatories to the Assam South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation  Corridor Connectivity Improvement Project were Shri Rajat Kumar Mishra, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs in the Ministry of Finance who signed for the Government of India, and Mr Nilaya Mitash, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, who signed for ADB.
After signing the loan agreement, Shri Mishra stated that the project supports the Government of Assam’s flagship Asom Mala road improvement program to enhance the quality and service of priority sections of state highway and MDR networks and fill critical infrastructure gaps.
“Improved connectivity and safe road networks developed through the project will enhance mobility and accessibility of people in the less developed areas of the state to markets and services to spur growth and contribute to its potential as a growth catalyst for the SASEC region,” said Mr Mitash.
The roads to be upgraded under the project, including six road sections in the state’s western, central and southern regions, are connected to SASEC corridors linking India with Bhutan and Bangladesh, and are expected to boost cross-border trade and transport. The project will complement the multimodal logistics park being built in Jogighopa and a another proposed in Silchar to serve road, rail, inland waterway, and air transport facilities.
The project will expand state highways and major district roads from single lane to two lanes and introduce new climate- and disaster-resilient structures. It will establish pedestrian and public transport facilities, elevate highways in flood-prone areas, and include landslide prevention structures in hilly and mountainous areas.
Community schools, water, health, and sanitation facilities, and heritage and tourism sites will be restored in affected indigenous peoples’ villages. To protect wildlife and habitats in project areas, viaduct structures will be constructed to avoid human–elephant conflict in the elephant habitats. In addition, community road users, drivers, motorcycle riders, schoolteachers, and students will be informed and trained on road safety. The project will strengthen the capacity of the Assam Public Works  Department in managing road assets, integrating climate and disaster resilience in road projects, and ensuring safeguards—such as environment, resettlement, and indigenous peoples concerns—are considered.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
Importance of Cleanliness was underlined during COVID-19 Pandemic-Union Minister Shripad Naik
As a world famous tourist place everyone should responsibly need to keep Goa neat and clean
Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan organizes Cleanliness drive at Basilica of Bom Jesus Church
Goa | October 19, 2021
Importance of cleanliness has been underlined during COVID-19 pandemic worldwide. So, it is the responsibility of every individual to maintain personal as well as surrounding hygiene, stated Shripad Naik;Union Minister of State for Tourism, Ports, Shipping and Waterways. He was speaking at the cleanliness drive of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan at Basilica of Bom Jesus Church, Old Goa.
Goa is a tourist destination, so it is the responsibility of every individual to keep the places neat and clean. We should keep focusing on simple things like not littering in public places, always use dustbins to put the sachets and pockets, said Shripad Naik. Many diseases will be eradicated from society if cleanliness becomes lifestyle, he further added.
Nehru Yuva Kendra with National Service Scheme has organized a cleanliness drive in the state from October 1. The Key Activities of the programme are collection of waste, mainly Single Use Plastic, Village Beautification Drives and Cleanliness and Maintenance of Traditional Water Sources. In the State of Goa, 3, 809 students are participating in the campaign.
The “Clean India” Program of the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports is aimed at creating awareness, mobilization of people and ensuring their involvement in the Clean India initiative.
The programme is being organized in six Lakh villages of 744 Districts across the country through the networks of Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan  affiliated Youth Clubs & National Service Scheme affiliated Institutions.
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
EXPORTS OF INDIAN GRAPES TO CHINA EXPECTED TO RISE BY 200% BY 2020: APEDA & PHDCCI
Reverse Buyer Seller Meet  was organised by the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority  in association with PHDCCI, for promoting exports of grapes in Mumbai today. During the event APEDA in association with PHDCCI made a prognosis, stating that the exports of Indian grapes to China are likely to increase by 200% both in quantity and value terms by 2020. Currently, the estimated exports of Indian grapes away to China are pegged at 600 metric tonnes.
Speaking on the occassion the Chairman, APEDA, Mr. Paban K. Borthakur shared the initiatives taken by APEDA for boosting exports and further assessment of exports scenario. “APEDA is making efforts to expand its export market to China. The collective efforts of Ministry of Commerce and Industry through APEDA in association with the grape growing states, and the National Research Centre for grapes is making efforts to improve the quality of fresh grapes. The promotional schemes of Central and State Governments will boost the export of Indian grapes and other tropical fruits”, the statement added.
Ms Zhong Lishan, From Guangdong China Imported food Association and the leader of the Chinese delegation in her presentation said that China is keen to increase import of grapes from India based on increasing demand for grapes in China which is at present from other destinations like Chile and USA.
The program was joined by Shri V Chaturvedi, Joint DGFT, representatives of the state horticulture department and National Research Centre Grapes. After this BSM and field visits to Vineyards in Nashik, it is expected that exports will rise to around 1000 MT  this year and reach a level of 2000 MT, approximating a value of 5.2 USD by next year.
Background:
APEDA under Ministry of Commerce and Industry has been engaged in promoting quality agri-products. As per its mandate, APEDA has provided support for the required Infrastructure across the country in terms of Pack-houses with Post-Harvest Treatment facilities and Centre for Perishable Cargo Agro Complex at major Airports. This has helped the industry to increase their exports of quality produce up to a large extent. Considering the requirement of Food Safety and Traceability by importing countries, India has taken number of measures by strengthening the backward linkage in the production supply chain, setting up of required infrastructure in terms of Packhouses and Post-Harvest Treatment Facilities which has enabled to get market access for fruits in various countries in the past.
Source: APEDA
RT/ST/RDS
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
PM to interact with Indian contingent for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on 17th August
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will interact with the Indian para-athlete contingent for Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games on 17th August at 11 AM via video conferencing.
54 para athletes from across 9 sports disciplines will be heading to Tokyo to represent the nation. This is India’s biggest ever contingent to the Paralympic Games. Union Sports Minister will also be present during the interaction.
President's Secretariat
PRESIDENT’S GREETINGS ON THE EVE OF LOHRI, MAKAR SANKRANTI, PONGAL, BHOGALI BIHU, UTTARAYAN AND PAUSH PARVA
The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind has greeted his fellow citizens on the eve of Lohri , Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush Parva .
In a message, the President has said, “On the occasion of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush Parva, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all the fellow citizens living in India and abroad.
A majority of the festivals celebrated in our country depict our integral relationship with nature and agriculture. The festivals of Lohri, Makar Sankranti, Pongal, Bhogali Bihu, Uttarayan and Paush Parva, mark the harvesting season of crops as the winter season ends and ushers in the spring. People enjoy the fruits of good harvest and celebrate these festivals which also underline the need to preserve our environment. It is not only an example of Indian diversity but also that of unity in diversity of our country.
I pray to God that these festivals develop the spirit of fraternity among the people while prosperity and happiness prevail in our country”.
Click here for President's message in hindi
Vice President's Secretariat
Media should act as Means of Empowerment for Development through Informed Actions, says Vice President
Shri Venkaiah Naidu calls for constructive public discourse, not negative and divisive one in national interest
Hosts high tea for RSTV professionals for landmark of one million YouTube subscribers
The Vice President and Chairman of Rajya Sabha, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu urged the MEDIA to effectively function as Means of Empowerment for Development through Informed Actions of people. He also stressed on the need for a positive and constructive public discourse in the country on all major issues and reminded the media of it’s role in the same.
Addressing the professionals of Rajya Sabha Television  here today, Shri Naidu said “Public discourse should not be negative, acrimonious and divisive. It should unite the people and should not seek to divide them”. Shri Naidu hosted High Tea for about 100 RSTV professionals on the occasion of the channel one million YouTube subscriber base this month.
Shri Naidu complimented RSTV for gaining 5,74,378 new subscribers during the last ten months as against 4,25,622 subscribers acquired during the earlier six years since the launch of the channel in August, 2011.
Shri Naidu said “A nation’s forward march is impacted by the public discourse in the country. Such a discourse needs to be positive and constructive aimed at collectively addressing the challenges being faced by the nation”.
The Vice President further said “Media, as the fourth pillar of democracy has an important role in facilitating such a positive discourse. It needs to highlight the problems, deficiencies in policy and governance at various levels and present different perspectives so that people can make informed decisions. Media can be and in fact needs to be critical without, however, being motivated”.
Stating that RSTV is an institution of Parliament, Shri Naidu said that the editorial policy and coverage of the channel should be guided by the mandate of the Parliament which is catalysing the cause of socio-economic development by addressing the contemporary and future challenges.
Ministry of Civil Aviation
Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam Reviews Progress of Various Activities of the Department Under ‘Swachhata Hi Seva’ Campaign
As part of the ongoing Swachhata Hi Seva , 2023 campaign, Secretary, Ministry of Civil Aviation, Shri Vumlunmang Vualnam reviewed the progress of the implementation of various activities being undertaken by the Ministry, Attached offices and its Organisations under the nationwide campaign. Till date, a total of 13 activities/ programs have been undertaken under the campaign, wherein about 1208 people have participated, contributing 24,422 Man Hours for the SHS campaign. Activities are being uploaded on the SHS portal https://swachhbharatmission.gov.in/ on daily basis.
As part of the SHS campaign theme 'Garbage Free India', Ministry of Civil Aviation is whole heartedly participating in this national effort by way of:
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Announcement of SHS 2023 messages during flights;
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Placement of banners, posters, standees and selfie points at Airports across the country to spread the message of Swachhata;
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Playing videos on Swachhata Hi Sewa Campaign at Airports;
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Conducting Swachhata pledges in Organisations of Ministry & field offices wherein 1065 people participated;
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Swachhata Run in the Ministry.
Ministry through its Organisations has developed an Action Plan focusing on cleanliness drives through Regional/Field oﬃces of each of the Organizations under the Ministry so as to contribute towards achieving the objectives of the campaign. 122 events have been created for cleanliness drive & Shramdaan on 1st October, 2023 under ‘Ek Tareekh, Ek Ghanta, Ek Saath’ campaign, wherein about 4100 people are expected to participate. Highlights of the events includes:
- Cleaning of Airports and Surrounding Areas such as car parkings, Air Traffic Services premises, nearby roads, Highways, Green areas, Airport Residential colonies etc.;
- Cleaning of Beaches such as Chopati Beach at Porbander, R.K. Beach at Vishakhapatnam;
- Cleaning of Tourist places such as Sao Jacinto Island Bridge and Church premises at Goa.
Ministry of Steel
Various Competitions Organized By SAIL-BSP and SAIL-VISL, Ministry of Steel to mark Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav
A Quiz on the topic ‘India@ 75’ was organized by SAIL, a Maharatna CPSE under the Ministry of Steel at its Bhillai Steel Plant to mark Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. Management Trainees of MTT batch -2021 took part in the event. Shri S K Dubey, ED , the Chief Guest on the occasion, inaugurated the Quiz programme. Interesting and informative questions on the topic ‘India@75’ were keenly answered by participants of the Quiz programme.
At the SAIL-VISL plant, Independence Day was celebrated at the VISL Silver Jubilee Stadium, Bhadravathi with great enthusiasm. A competition of singing patriotic songs and rangoli competition commemorating “ Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” have also been organized at the plant as part of the celebrations .
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Ministry of Home Affairs
On his second day of visit to Manipur, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah had wide ranging discussions with civil society organisations, group of prominent personalities, intellectuals, retired Army officers and civil servants in Imphal
Home Minister reviewed security situation with senior officials of Manipur Police, CAPFs and the Indian Army
Peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority, instructed the officials to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace - Home Minister
Reiterating the significance of the role of women in the society of Manipur, Shri Amit Shah said that together, we are committed to ensuring peace and prosperity in the state
Union Home Minister visited Churachandpur and held a meeting with prominent personalities and delegation of the Civil Society Organisations
Later in the evening, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah held an all-party meeting in Imphal
On his second day of visit to Manipur, Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah had wide ranging discussions with civil society organisations at Imphal. He met a delegation of Women leaders  in Imphal. Reiterating the significance of the role of women in the society of Manipur, Shri Amit Shah said that together, we are committed to ensuring peace and prosperity in the state.
Union Home Minister also met delegations of civil society organisations such as; COCOMI, AMUCO, AMOCOC, MMW, STDCM, FOCS, Forum for Restoration of Peace and student organisations.
The delegation expressed their commitment to peace and assured that wewould together contribute to paving the way to restore normalcy in Manipur.Before leaving for Churachandpur, Home Minister interacted with a group of prominent personalities, intellectuals, retired Army officers as well as civil servants.
The delegates urged the Union Home Minister for effective intervention to restore peace and normalcy.
Union Home Minister Shri Amit visited Churachandpur and held a meeting with Prominent personalities and delegation of the Civil Society Organisations. Later in the evening, Shri Amit Shah held an all-party meeting in Imphal. Home Minister also reviewed security situation with senior officials of Manipur Police, CAPFs and the Indian Army. He said that peace and prosperity of Manipur is our top priority and instructed them to strictly deal with any activities disturbing the peace.
Union Home Minister will visit Moreh and Kangpokpi areas of Manipur tomorrow. He will interact with the delegations of various local groups in Moreh followed by meeting with Civil Society Organisations in Kangpokpi. Later he will hold a security review meeting in Imphal.